Ball hitting practice apparatus

Abstract

A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

1. A releasable ball mounting apparatus, comprising:
 a ball mounting device comprising:
 first and second shafts; 
 first and second releasable fasteners, wherein the first releasable fastener is coupled to the first shaft and the second releasable fastener is coupled to the second shaft, wherein each of the first and the second releasable fasteners comprises two complementary halves, a first of the halves being coupled to its respective shaft and a second of the halves being fixed to the ball, and wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners are configured for releasable mounting of a ball. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners comprise a hook and loop type fastener. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners comprise a piercing half and a pierceable half. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the piercing half comprises at least one pointed member and the pierceable half comprises rubber. 
     
     
       5. A releasable ball mounting apparatus, comprising:
 a ball mounting device comprising:
 first and second shafts; and 
 first and second releasable fasteners, wherein the first releasable fastener is coupled to the first shaft and the second releasable fastener is coupled to the second shaft and wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners are configured for releasable mounting of a ball; 
 
 a tether from which the ball mounting device is suspended; 
 a substantially rigid member, wherein the tether is suspended from a first end of the substantially rigid member and wherein the tether is releasable from the substantially rigid member; and an object attached to the tether, wherein the first end of the substantially rigid member has a passage configured to hold the object until the tether has a tension greater than a threshold tension. 
 
     
     
       6. A releasable ball mounting apparatus, comprising:
 a ball mounting device comprising:
 first and second shafts; 
 first and second releasable fasteners, wherein the first releasable fastener is coupled to the first shaft and the second releasable fastener is coupled to the second shaft and wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners are configured for releasable mounting of a ball; and 
 first and second tubular members configured to rotate around the first and the second shafts, respectively, wherein the first and the second releasable fasteners are coupled to the first and the second shafts via the first and the second tubular members.